Up close and personal
Clare Diacono, Destination Expert
My trip began in Livingstone on the Zim/Zam border. Having seen Victoria Falls years ago at low water, I wasn't expecting the dramatic roar and spray that greeted me in April. It was so exciting crossing a bridge right over the falls and getting soaked to the skin.
Flying in to South Luangwa National Park, I felt that I was truly out in the wilderness. The landscape was mesmerising with lush plains, woodland and rivers stretching as far as the eye could see. Being green season the game was not as prolific as it would be in peak season but our guide was so good we found plenty of plains game even in such vast open spaces.
Staying at Tafika camp was a bonus because the owner John is a qualified pilot and took us up in the microlight. This was the highlight of the trip for me - soaring above hippos and crocodiles, and getting so close I could look right down into the nests of a stork colony.
After the excitement of safari, it was bliss to fly down to the Lower Zambezi. Floating down river in a canoe was the perfect way to relax. It was also the closest I have ever been to an elephant, as a magnificent bull came down to the river to drink a mere metre away. Some of the camps have even gained their own resident elephant, such as 'Shortie' here at Chiawa camp, who kindly shared some of his leaves with me!
